Jagan, Naidu lock horns over public-private model of medical colleges

The TDP and the YSRCP on Wednesday locked horns over the proposed public-private partnership model of medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh, with Opposition leader Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy warning that his party would vehemently oppose the privatization scheme.

Reddy said the privatization move by the TDP-led NDA government will be opposed tooth and nail and they will force the government to roll back the decision. If the Andhra Pradesh government under Naidu still decides to go ahead with the PPP model once YSRCP comes to power, they will reverse the decision.

Advertisement

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said, “We had planned to set up one medical college in every district and initiated the process of setting up 17 medical colleges… Chandrababu has declined the sanction of medical seats to Pulivendula out of vindictiveness. He is now giving away medical colleges on a platter to private players for kickbacks, and we will oppose it.”

Addressing the “Super Six Super Hit” meeting at Anantapur, Naidu hit out at the former chief minister, saying that YS Jagan Mohan Rao had no role in establishing the medical colleges in the state.

Naidu claimed it was the NDA and TDP governments that prioritized education and set up institutions, while YS Jagan Mohan only engaged in publicity by laying foundations and cutting ribbons. Elaborating upon the PPP model, Naidu said this scheme will ensure that the assets remain with the state, while private partners will run it efficiently.

Four new medical colleges will start in 2026-27, while seven more will start by 2027-28. He also challenged YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to come to the Assembly for discussion.

Speaking on urea supply, Naidu said, “I promise that no farmer will face a shortage of urea. Farmers should also use only as much urea as needed -then there will be no problem. Just recently, when I called the Centre, they immediately sent urea.”